Fat adherence syndrome after retinal surgery treated with amniotic membrane transplantation

PURPOSE

We present favorable results with amniotic membrane transplantation in a patient who developed fat adherence syndrome after retinal surgery.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

A 37-year-old man had diplopia resulting from hypotropia of the left eye after retinal detachment surgery. Removal of a previously implanted silicon sponge had little effect because of fibrous adhesion between the inferior rectus muscle and adjacent periorbital fat. We performed amniotic membrane transplantation combined with conventional extraocular muscle surgery.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, supraduction of the left eye became almost full. The field of binocular vision was extended markedly by treatment, both in the primary position and with downward gaze. These improvements remained stable over 1 year of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Amniotic membrane transplantation appears to be effective for preventing regrowth of restrictive scar tissue in the fat adherence syndrome.

Identification of rab7 as a melanosome-associated protein involved in the intracellular transport of tyrosinase-related protein 1

The melanosome is a unique secretory granule of the melanocyte in which melanin pigments are synthesized by tyrosinase gene family glycoproteins. Melanogenesis is a highly regulated process because of its inherent toxicity. An understanding of the various regulatory mechanisms is important in delineating the pathophysiology involved in pigmentary disorders and melanoma. We have purified and analyzed the total melanosomal proteins from B16 mouse melanoma tumors in order to identify new proteins that may be involved in the control of the melanogenesis process. Melanosomal proteins were resolved by two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a predominant spot (27 kDa with isoelectric point 5.8-6.4) was excised and digested with cyanogen bromide, and the fragments were sequenced. Synthetic oligonucleotide primers were synthesized corresponding to the peptide sequences, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification of total RNA from B16 cells was carried out. Sequencing of one of the polymerase-chain-reaction-mediated clones demonstrated 80%-97% sequence homology of 200 bp nucleotide with GTP-binding proteins at the 3'-untranslated region. GTP-binding assay on two-dimensional gels of melanosomal proteins showed the presence of several (five to six) small GTP-binding proteins, suggesting that small GTP-binding proteins are associated with the melanosome. Among the known GTP-binding proteins with similar molecular weight and isoelectric point ranges, rab3, rab7, and rab8 were found to be present in the melanosomal fraction by immunoblotting. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy showed that rab7 is colocalized with the tyrosinase-related protein 1 around the perinuclear area as well as, in part, in the perikaryon, thereby suggesting that rab7 might be involved in the intracellular transport of tyrosinase-related protein 1. Tyrosinase-related protein 1 transport was blocked by the treatment of B16 cells with antisense oligonucleotide to rab7. We suggest (i) that rab7 is a melanosome-associated molecule, (ii) that tyrosinase-related protein 1 is present in late-endosome delineated granules, and (iii) that rab7 is involved in the transport of tyrosinase-related protein 1 from the late-endosome delineated granule to the melanosome.

A melanosome-associated monoclonal antibody J1 recognizes luminal membrane of prelysosomes common to biogenesis of melanosomes and lysosomes

Melanogenesis cascade may be directly or indirectly linked to the dynamics of endosome-lysosome biogenesis. This study aims to identify how and to what extent the endosome-lysosome system is involved in melanosome biogenesis, by utilizing a novel melanogenesis marker, J1, which we identified in the process of developing monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against human melanosomes. The antigenic epitope of MoAb J1 was expressed by all of the melanotic and nonmelanotic cells examined. It was expressed primarily by granular structures located in regions proximal to the Golgi complex. Most of MoAb J1 positive granules were co-stained with melanogenic markers, tyrosinase or tyrosinase-related protein (TRP-1). The epitope of MoAb J1 was also coexpressed by most, but not all, of LGP85 (a lysosomal marker) positive granules in both melanoma and non-melanoma cells, indicating that MoAb J1 recognizes a subset of lysosomal vesicles. MoAb J1 did not, however, react with vesicles with late/early (syntaxin 8/ EEA1) endosomal markers. Further examination using fluorophore-labeled pepstatin, a marker of lysosomal luminal content, confirmed that MoAb J1 specifically recognizes the luminal surface of lysosomes. These results indicate that MoAb J1 possesses an antigen epitope that is expressed in the luminal component of prelysosomal granules which are involved in the biogenesis cascade common to both melanosomes and lysosomes. We suggest that tyrosinase family protein, tyrosinase and TRP-1 are transported to melanosomes from TGN via these prelysosomal granules after being transiently transported to late endosomes.

Posterior Synechia of the Iris After Combined Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Phacoemulsification, and Intraocular Lens Implantation

PURPOSE

Combined pars plana vitrectomy, phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation has become a widely accepted treatment for cataracts in patients with vitreoretinal diseases. We examined factors influencing the development of posterior synechia after this triple procedure.

METHODS

One hundred and three patients (107 eyes) were evaluated. The frequency of postoperative posterior synechia, the preoperative diagnosis, whether gas tamponade was used, and the type of lens implanted were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one eyes (19.6%) developed posterior synechia, and the highest rate (12/39 eyes, 30.8%) was in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Posterior synechia was more frequent after gas tamponade (28.1%) than in eyes without tamponade (10.1%). In proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients, fibrin deposition and the amount of retinal photocoagulation were causative factors for posterior synechia.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors promoting postoperative synechia after the triple procedure included (1) the existence of PDR, (2) expanding gas tamponade, (3) fibrin deposition in PDR, and (4) the amount of photocoagulation in PDR.

Infant leukemia suggestive of natural killer cell precursor origin followed an unusual clinical course

We report a patient with infant leukemia showing the rare phenotypes of CD2+, CD4+, CD7+, CD56+, CD3-, CD5- who followed an unusual clinical course. The patient was a 3-month-old girl who was admitted because of unusual purpura looking like a black ring. On admission WBC count was 85.8 x 10(9)/l and bone marrow aspiration revealed a nucleated cell count of 112.0 x 10(9)/l with 70.8% atypical lymphocytes. On the 3rd hospital day, the WBC count decreased by about 1/5 without chemotherapy and partial remission was obtained. But about 3 weeks later, the WBC count increased again and she died. Based on surface marker analysis, genotypic analysis and autopsy, we diagnosed infant leukemia suggestive of natural killer (NK) cell precursor origin.

Clinical application of a new compact computed tomography system for evaluating the outcome of regenerative therapy: a case report

BACKGROUND

The limitations of conventional 2-dimensional (2-D) radiographs have been emphasized in many studies. Because the image is a 2-D map of the 3-dimensional (3-D) tooth and periodontal tissue, these structures may be superimposed on each other. Recently, 3-D image analysis by computed tomography (CT) was introduced to dentistry, but it has been used only rarely in the periodontal field.

METHODS

The purpose of this case report was to introduce the clinical application of a newly developed, compact computed tomography system for evaluating the outcome of regenerative therapy in an adult patient with periodontitis (male, aged 55 years). To evaluate the bone defects including furcation involvement, we took an intraoral radiograph and performed CT scanning on tooth #19. We recorded a number of clinical parameters at the time of surgery. We compared the images of the bone defect obtained by CT images and the conventional radiograph with the true bone defect morphology at the surgical site.

RESULTS

One year after the periodontal surgery, we again took CT scans and a conventional radiograph, and the new images of the bone defect were compared and evaluated. The new CT images were reconstructed for 3-D evaluation and compared with those taken before surgery. The CT provides 3-D images of excellent quality for evaluating the morphology of the periodontal bone defect and furcation involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

We consider that CT is a useful aid in periodontal examination and diagnosis, and in the prediction and evaluation of periodontal treatment outcomes.

Intracellular vesicular trafficking of tyrosinase gene family protein in eu- and pheomelanosome biogenesis

The intracellular vesicular trafficking in the melanosome biogenesis (melanogenesis) is reviewed with the incorporation of our own experimental findings. The melanosome biogenesis involves four stages of melanosome maturation, which reflect the transport of structural and enzymatic proteins from Golgi (trans-Golgi network: TGN) to the melanosomal compartment and their organization therein. The major melanosomal proteins include tyrosinase gene family protein (tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein; TRP), lysosome-associated membrane protein (Lamp) and gp100 (pmel 17). They are glycosylated in the endoplasmic reticulum, and transported by vesicles from the TGN to the melanosomal compartment. During the formation of transport vesicles, they assemble on the cytoplasmic face of the TGN to select cargo by interacting directly or indirectly with coat proteins. Tyrosinase and TRP-1 possess the dileucine motifs at the cytoplasmic domain, to which adapter protein-3 binds to transport them from the TGN to stage I melanosomes (related to late endosomes) and then to stage II melanosomes. A number of small guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins, including rab 7, appear to be involved in this vesicular transport. Phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase also regulates this membrane trafficking of melanosomal glycoprotein. Eumelanogenesis is controlled by melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and all three tyrosinase gene family proteins are transported from the TGN to stage II melanosomes that are elliposoidal and contain the structural matrix of filaments/lamellae. In contrast, pheomelanogenesis is primarily regulated by agouti signal protein, and only tyrosinase is transported from stage I melanosomes to stage II melanosomes that are spherical and related to lysosomes. Because of the absence of TRP-1 and TRP-2 in pheomelanogenesis, it may be suggested that tyrosinase is involved in lysosomal degradation after forming dopaquinone, to which the cysteine present in the lysosomal granule binds to form cysteinyldopas that will then be auto-oxidized to become pheomelanin.

On- and off-responses of the photopic electroretinograms in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis

PURPOSE

To examine the physiologic condition of the middle retinal layer of patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (xlRS) by studying the on- and off-responses of the photopic electroretinograms (ERGs).

METHODS

Eleven unrelated Japanese men (mean age; 24.9 +/- 7.6 years) who were clinically diagnosed with xlRS and molecularly confirmed as having XLRS1 mutations were investigated. For the photopic ERGs, the a-, b- and d-wave amplitudes elicited by long duration stimuli were recorded, and the responses from the xlRS patients were compared to those recorded from normal subjects (n = 14, mean age, 27.5 +/- 4.5 years). We also examined the relationship between the photopic ERG responses and the genotype.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the a- and d-wave amplitudes in the xlRS patients (34.2 +/- 8.7 microV, 52.5 +/- 10.4 microV, respectively), and those in normal subjects (40.4 +/- 10.3 microV, 44.7 +/- 6.3 microV, respectively). The mean b-wave amplitude in the xlRS patients was significantly smaller (10.5 +/- 7.7 microV) than the mean of normal subjects (46.4 +/- 10.2 microV) (P < 0.0001). No significant correlation was found between the ERG responses and the locus of the mutation.

CONCLUSION

The photopic ERG demonstrated considerable impairment of the on-pathway arising from an abnormality of the on-bipolar cells or possibly secondary to Müller cell abnormality in xlRS.

[Objective evaluation of visual field loss in a patient with branch retinal artery occlusion and brain infarction]

PURPOSE

To evaluate visual field loss using multifocal ERG(m-ERG), multifocal VEP(m-VEP), and Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter(HRF) in a patient with branch retinal artery occlusion(BRAO) and brain infarction.

CASE

A 38-year-old man noticed inferior-nasal visual field loss in the left eye, and was referred to Keio University Hospital. He suffered from paralysis in the left leg due to brain infarction at the age of 24. However, he had not noticed visual field loss due to the brain infarction. His left fundus showed retinal edema in the area of a superior-temporal retinal artery occulusion. He was diagnosed as having BRAO. The Goldmann and Humphry perimetric examinations revealed homonymous quadrantanopia in the upper left field as well as inferior visual field defect in the left eye.

RESULTS

Both m-ERG and m-VEP, especially second-kernel responses, were reduced in the affected retinal area of BRAO. But only m-VEP was affected in the corresponding area of homonymous quadrantanopia in the upper left field. The retinal flow in the area with BRAO evaluated by HRF was decreased in some areas and not in others, suggesting that retinal function was not necessarily consistent with retinal circulation.

CONCLUSIONS

m-ERG and m-VEP are useful To differentiate retinal lesions from brain lesions in visual field loss.

Development of a new in-laboratory XAFS apparatus based on new concept

In a conventional in-laboratory XAFS apparatus using conventional X-ray source, sealed tube or rotating anode, has been used. In which the X-ray source is fixed and the sample is moved (translated and rotated). Hence it has been difficult or required a complex method in order to put a heavy element, such as a cryogenic cooler, high temperature furnace and an in-situ reacting cell, at a sample position. Nowadays, there is a strong demand for obtaining dynamic information of a sample and in-situ observation becomes almost unavoidable. We have developed a compact X-ray tube and a new goniometer on which X-ray source is moved and monochromatic X-ray comes out of goniometer is fixed. Therefore it becomes easier to put a various cell at a sample position.

Comparison of scleral buckling and vitrectomy for retinal detachment resulting from flap tears in superior quadrants

PURPOSE

To compare the surgical results of vitrectomy and scleral buckling for uncomplicated superior retinal detachment caused by flap tears.

METHODS

Included in the study were 225 patients (225 phakic eyes) undergoing primary surgery by three surgeons between January 1990 and December 1996 for superior retinal detachment caused by flap tears (138 eyes by scleral buckling, 87 eyes by vitrectomy); all patients had been followed up for longer than 6 months after surgery. The choice of one of the two procedures was based on each surgeon's preference. The surgical outcome and the rate of complications were retrospectively compared between the two groups of eyes.

RESULTS

Initial and final anatomical success rate were 92% and 100% after each procedure. Retinal redetachment after the initial procedure was due to new retinal breaks in 5 eyes, reopening of original breaks in 2 eyes of vitrectomy cases, and due to malpositioned buckle in 11 eyes of scleral buckling cases. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy occurred in 3 eyes of vitrectomy cases.

CONCLUSION

Primary vitrectomy was as successful as scleral buckling for treating superior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Even though the high incidence of postoperative cataract formation was the major drawback, vitrectomy had some advantages over scleral buckling.

WFS1 (Wolfram syndrome 1) gene product: predominant subcellular localization to endoplasmic reticulum in cultured cells and neuronal expression in rat brain

Wolfram (DIDMOAD) syndrome is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder accompanied by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and progressive optic atrophy. Recent positional cloning led to identification of the WFS1 (Wolfram syndrome 1) gene, a member of a novel gene family of unknown function. In this study, we generated a specific antibody against the C-terminus of the WFS1 protein and investigated its subcellular localization in cultured cells. We also studied its distribution in the rat brain. Biochemical studies indicated the WFS1 protein to be an integral, endoglycosidase H-sensitive membrane glycoprotein that localizes primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Consistent with this, immunofluorescence cell staining of overexpressed WFS1 showed a characteristic reticular pattern over the cytoplasm and overlapped with the ER marker staining. No co-localization of WFS1 with mitochondria argues against an earlier clinical hypothesis that Wolfram syndrome is a mitochondria-mediated disorder. In the rat brain, at both the protein and mRNA level, WFS1 was found to be present predominantly in selected neurons in the hippocampus CA1, amygdaloid areas, olfactory tubercle and superficial layer of the allocortex. These expression sites, i.e. components of the limbic system or structures closely associated with this system, may be involved in the psychiatric, behavioral and emotional abnormalities characteristic of this syndrome. ER localization of WFS1 suggests that this protein plays an as yet undefined role in membrane trafficking, protein processing and/or regulation of ER calcium homeostasis. These studies represent a first step toward the characterization of WFS1 protein, which presumably functions to maintain certain populations of neuronal and endocrine cells.

Ortho cubic super-high resolution computed tomography: a new radiographic technique with application to the temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to present a newly developed ortho cubic super-high resolution computerized radiographic technique (Ortho-CT) and its application to the temporomandibular joint.

METHOD AND PATIENTS

A prototype was assembled on a Scanora (Soredex Findent Co) with the use of a 4-inch image intensifier instead of film. Data were collected from a single 360 degrees scan and a cylinder 32 mm in height and 38 mm in diameter. Images were reconstructed with a software program on a personal computer. Imaging data consisted of 240 (height) x 280 (diameter) cubic voxels, each with a dimension of 0.136 mm. With this small voxel size, the image resolution was high and was the same in any direction. Three patients with temporomandibular joint disease (trauma, pain and dysfunction, fibroosseous ankylosis) were evaluated with Ortho-CT, and the images were compared to routine radiographic films.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary clinical experience with Ortho-CT demonstrates subjectively superior image quality compared to panoramic and conventional tomographic images. The images were similar to conventional computed tomography, but this new radiographic technique is less expensive, takes less space, and gives a lesser patient dose.

Progressive outer retinal necrosis in a patient with nephrotic syndrome

Progressive outer retinal necrosis syndrome (PORN) is a variant of necrotizing herpetic retinopathy and the majority of the described cases were related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We present a patient who is HIV negative with nephrotic syndrome and prednisolone use for 4 months who showed clinical features of PORN. Low CD4 counts and lymphocytopenia suggested immunosuppression. In the left eye, tractional retinal detachment at the posterior pole followed by incomplete posterior vitreous detachment developed. In addition to intravenous administration of acyclovir, vitreous surgeries including stripping of the posterior hyaloid and silicone-oil tamponade were successfully performed to repair the retinal detachment in the left eye and to prevent it in the right eye.

Thickening of the glenoid fossa in osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint. An autopsy study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in relationship to the stage of internal derangement from autopsy material.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The minimum thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa was measured with a caliper in 61 TMJ autopsy specimens. Based on macroscopic examination the joints were categorized as normal (30 joints), disk displacement (eight joints), disk displacement with osteoarthritis (12 joints) and osteoarthritis with perforation of the disk or posterior attachment (11 joints). The relationship between thickness of roof of the glenoid fossa and status of the joint was analysed.

RESULTS

The roof of the glenoid fossa was on the average 0.6 mm in normal joints, 1.1 mm in joints both with disk displacement and disk displacement with osteoarthritis and 2.6 mm in joints with osteoarthritis and perforation. The difference between the normal joints and those with perforation was significant (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Progressive remodeling with thickening of the roof of the glenoid fossa seems to be associated with perforation of the disk or posterior attachment.

Diagnostic efficacy of three-dimensional images by helical CT for lesions in the maxillofacial region

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three-dimensional (3-D) images produced with a helical CT for the diagnosis of lesions occurring in the maxillofacial region. Thirty-four patients, who had lesions in the maxillofacial region, were examined by plain radiography (intra and extraoral) and the helical CT. Further, 3-D images were reconstructed from the data provided by the helical CT using the volume rendering method. These images were compared with plain radiographic images and conventional two-dimensional (2-D) CT images in terms of the information they provided for diagnosis. Using the 3-D images for tumors, bone destruction, inner components, extent of the lesion,the relationship between the lesion and surrounding anatomical landmarks, and the roots of the adjacent teeth were observed in overall views. We conclude that 3-D images produced by helical CT may provide useful information for the diagnosis of lesions.

Combination of a teratoma and embryonal carcinoma of the testis in SD IGS rats: a report of two cases

Testicular tumors of germ cell origin are extremely rare in rats. We encountered 2 cases of teratoma and embryonal carcinoma in the testes of 8- and 10-week-old Sprague-Dawley IGS rats. A unilateral tumor mass with bilateral testicular atrophy was observed macroscopically in both cases. Microscopic examination revealed that the tumor mass had characteristic features of a teratoma and was composed of several types of differentiated cells and tissues at various stages of maturation. Embryonal carcinoma tissue, composed of undifferentiated cells with an embryonic and anaplastic appearance, was observed within the tumor mass. In addition, foci of intratubular teratomas and embryonal carcinomas were observed in the testis on the side without any obvious mass. No obvious germ cells were observed in the seminiferous tubules in the remnant nontumorous area. Furthermore, intratubular transition of cells was observed from the embryonal carcinoma tissue to the squamous epithelium. This finding indicates that an embryonal carcinoma differentiates toward a teratoma even at a very early stage of development of the germ cell tumor.

Herpes simplex virus myelitis: clinical manifestations and diagnosis by the polymerase chain reaction method

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) myelitis has previously been reported to be a form of acute ascending necrotizing myelitis caused by HSV type 2 (HSV-2). We studied neurological symptoms, clinical course, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods in 9 patients with HSV myelitis. In 6 cases, disease onset was marked by sensorimotor disturbances of lower extremities and urinary disturbances, with the transverse myelopathy gradually ascending to the cervicothoracic spinal cord level. The other 3 cases showed transverse myelopathy without an ascending pattern. Six cases showed acute progression, while 3 cases showed a subacute course. There were 2 cases with recurrent episodes. Three patients recovered, however, in the remaining 6 patients severe sequelae such as paraplegia persisted despite antiviral therapy. MRI showed a hyperintense lesion on T2-weighted images. Gadolinium enhancement was observed in 2 cases, and 1 case showed a hyperintense lesion both on T1- and on T2-weighted images, suggesting hemorrhagic necrosis. HSV-2 was detected by PCR techniques in all 6 cases with an ascending pattern. HSV-1 DNA was detected in 2 and HSV-2 DNA in 1 of the 3 cases with a nonascending pattern. Our findings demonstrate diverse clinical manifestations of HSV myelitis.

Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical findings in five patients with vitreomacular traction syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pathologic features of vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMT).

METHODS

Preretinal membranes removed from five patients during vitreous surgery for VMT syndrome were evaluated by electron microscopy (n = 4) and immunohistochemistry (n = 1).

RESULTS

Electron microscopic examination revealed large segments of internal limiting lamina (ILL) in three of the four cases. Other extracellular features included two types of abnormal collagen fibrils, determined to be type I and fibrous long-spacing collagen. The myofibrocyte was the predominant cell type in all cases. Collagen types I, II, and III, as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin, were identified by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS

Epiretinal membranes in eyes with VMT syndrome adhered tightly to the ILL with abnormal collagen and contractile elements that included myofibrocytes.

Systematic synthesis of sulfated sialyl-alpha-(2 --> 3)-neolactotetraose derivatives and their acceptor specificity for an alpha-(1 --> 3)-fucosyltransferase (Fuc-TVII) involved in the biosynthesis of L-selectin ligand

Sulfated sialyl-alpha-(2 --> 3)-neolactotetraose (IV3NeuAcnLcOse4) derivatives at C-6 of GlcNAc (6-O-sulfo), terminal Gal (6'-O-sulfo), and both GlcNAc and Gal (6,6'-di-O-sulfo) residues have systematically been synthesized. (Methyl 5-acetamido-4,7,8,9- tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycero-alpha-D-galacto-2-nonulopyranosy lonate)-(2 --> 3)-2,4-di-O-benzoyl-6-O-levulinoyl-D-galactopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate was coupled with 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl (2-acetamido-2-deoxy- 3-O-benzyl-6-O-p-methoxyphenyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1 --> 3)-(2,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-(1 --> 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside to give the suitably protected pentasaccharide which, upon selective removal of the p-methoxyphenyl and/or levulinoyl groups at C-6 of the GlcNAc and the terminal Gal residues, successive O-sulfation(s) and deprotection, afforded the desired three sulfated IV3NeuAcnLcOse4 derivatives. Acceptor specificity of the synthetic IV3NeuAcnLcOse4 probes for a human alpha-(1 --> 3)-fucosyltransferase (Fuc-TVII) was examined to study the biosynthetic pathway of L-selectin ligand. Only the 6-sulfated derivative at C-6 of GlcNAc was recognized by Fuc-TVII to give 6-O-sulfo sialyl LeX.

Clinical characteristics of 14 japanese patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis associated with XLRS1 mutation

To characterize the clinical features associated with XLRS1 gene mutations in Japanese patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (xlRS), we evaluated the following data on 14 Japanese males from 13 unrelated families with XLRS1 mutations: age and symptoms at first visit to an ophthalmologist and ophthalmologic findings including visual acuity, refractive errors, fundoscopic appearance, and results of electroretinography (ERG) and electro-oculography (EOG). Each clinical finding was reviewed when the patients were between six and eight years of age. The best-corrected visual acuity in 12 patients (24 eyes) between the ages 6 and 8 years ranged from 1.0 to no light perception. Macular abnormalities were present in all cases. Peripheral retinoschisis was present in 14 of 26 eyes (53.8%). In the 21 eyes for which a single-flash ERG had been recorded, b-wave amplitude was reduced in 17 eyes. The EOG showed a low Arden ratio in three of the 13 eyes in the seven patients evaluated. No clear relationship was observed between the clinical features and the existing mutations. Three of four patients with a visual acuity less than 0.1 had retinal detachment or severe macular lesion that had occurred before the age of four years. Two patients harbored deletions of exon 1 or of the boundary region between exon 3 and intron 3, and one patient harbored R182C in exon 6. The present study shows a heterogeneity of mutations in the XLRS1 gene and phenotypic variations in 14 Japanese patients with xlRS.

Clinical factors related to the aqueous levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor in proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE

To investigate clinical factors related to the aqueous humor levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

METHODS

Undiluted aqueous humor was obtained during ocular surgery from 46 eyes of 46 patients and the levels of growth factors were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. VEGF and HGF levels were compared with the number of photocoagulation. VEGF and HGF levels in patient groups stratified according to the existence of vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and fibrovascular membrane were analyzed. And clinical parameters associated with the growth factors were determined by multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

The levels of VEGF decreased significantly as the extent of photocoagulation increased and showed significant positive correlation with the existence of vitreous hemorrhage. There was no significant correlation between VEGF levels and the existence of fibrovascular membrane and traction retinal detachment. The levels of HGF also decreased significantly as the extent of photocoagulation increased, but increased significantly when fibrovascular membrane existed. There were no significant correlations between HGF levels and the existence of vitreous hemorrhage and traction retinal detachment. Concerning systemic conditions, each growth factor has no significant correlation with duration and type of diabetes mellitus, the treatment regimen, the control of hemoglobin A1C, and the existence of hypertension or renal dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic effect of panretinal photocoagulation on PDR might be partly exerted by reduction of the levels of VEGF and HGF in ocular fluid. Since the clinical parameters associated with VEGF were different from those associated with HGF, these growth factors might influence the progression of retinopathy in different ways.

Hepatic alpha(2u)-globulin mRNA levels and diethylstilbestrol-associated testicular atrophy in rats

Biosynthesis of alpha(2u)-Globulin (alpha(2u)-g) is under multihormonal regulation. In this study, we investigated histopathologic changes in the testis and hepatic alpha(2u)-g messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in male rats after administration of the potent estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) at 0. 01, 0.1, or 1 mg/kg/day by gavage for 14 days. DES treatment decreased hepatic alpha(2u)-g mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner accompanied by atrophic histopathologic changes in the testis. In addition, alpha(2u)-g mRNA levels were lowest in animals with the most marked testicular changes. Hepatic alpha(2u)-g mRNA may be a useful biomarker for the evaluation of endocrine disruption in male rats.